L'Etape Denmark qualified Daan Switters for L'Etape du Tour

In 2023, Daan Switters from the Netherlands was the first rider from the 300 km course to reach the finish line in Viborg completing the ride in an impressive time of 8:35 hours.

The victory not only brought Daan huge satisfaction, a trip to the podium and an official Tour de France yellow jersey. He also entered the L'Etape by Tour de France Championship programme and qualified for L'Etape du Tour 2024.

The Championship program automatically qualifies the top three finishers (male and female) of the longest route for L'Etape du Tour in France. The qualified riders will receive a free bib number, get access to a unique L'Etape Championship Qualifier treat in the race village and be allowed to start in Wave 0 with the most competitive riders.

We spoke to Daan Switters to learn more about his experience in Denmark, and how he looks forward to riding L'Etape du Tour in France.

What was your knowledge of the L'Etape series before participating in Denmark?

L’Etape Denmark and the L’Etape formula was a completely new experience for me. It made perfect sense going to Denmark to celebrate the Grand Depart of the 2022 Tour de France. I still rememberd the quite emotional team presentation at the Tivoli in Copenhagen. It seemed the Danish people truly love cycling! The riders rolling over the carpet welcomed by ancient warriors also got my attention, so I was curious to find out more at L’Etape Denmark in 2023 with my cycling buddy Jasper.

How do you look back on L'Etape Denmark?

L’Etape Denmark was one of my sportive highlights of 2023. Jasper asked me to go on the trip, and we had a blast! Organized perfectly, a very nice route with Tour the France elements, good feed stations and a warm welcome at the finish area. The win was a total surprise. I would like to go again!

About L'Etape du Tour

L'Etape du Tour is the original L'Etape event riding on the same routes and under the same conditions as the professionals. The first L'Etape du Tour was held in 1993. Today, with the experience of 31 editions and a pack of 16,000 registered competitors, L’Étape du Tour is now Europe’s benchmark cyclosportive event.

Why did you decide to sign up for L'Etape du Tour?

L’Etape du Tour in France is very high on my wish list, and as a result of my win in Denmark I qualified through the Championship programme. How cool is that! I really want to race a full stage of the one and only Tour the France. This stage is a serious challenge, and I like it a lot.

How do you look forward to L'Etape du Tour?

Because of the profile of the stage; 4600m of climbing, it will be a very hard day, approximately 6 hours in the saddle. Luckily, I will have a new bike more suitable for climbing. From January on, I’m doing more training (15-20hrs a week) and I’m even going to throw in some dietary stuff too. I’m aiming for my best effort on the bike that day.

Who can say, they actually rode the course of a Tour the France stage as a non-professional bike rider? I think it’s cool to include everyone to feel a bit of Tour the France magic.

What attracts you about the L'Etape concept?

Who can say, they actually rode the course of a Tour the France stage as a non-professional bike rider? I think it’s cool to include everyone to feel a bit of Tour the France magic. Two weeks after L’Etape du Tour, the Tour the France will ride this brutal stage and the teams will have the same challenge; give your very, very best. This one day will determine who’s still in the race to win the Tour of 2024. Because I rode the same course, I expect to feel the race even more when I watch it. I’m looking forward to it.

We wish Daan and all 16,000 participants of L'Etape du Tour the best of luck!

Remember that L'Etape Denmark is your chance to enter L'Etape du Tour too. Either qualifying directly as part of the Championship programme or by entering the early access registration funnel as part of the Reward program for all participants on the three longest routes. Read more >